Water heater communication system

ABSTRACT

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a water heater. The water heater can include a control device configured to control a setting of the water heater. The water heater can include a wireless circuit configured to communicate via a first network. The water heater can include an RJ-45 port. The water heater can include a communication bus. The communication bus can be coupled to the control device, the wireless circuit, and the RJ-45 port.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to water heaters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A water heater can provide hot water to a residence and/or business. Users do not generally need to access a water heater when using the water heater. Therefore, water heaters are typically stored in locations that are hard to access. Someone may be required to go to the hard to access location of the water heater to communicate with the water heater. Additionally, a party, such as an employee of a utility company, may be unable or lack the necessary permission to access the location of a water heater with which the employee needs to establish communications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be learned from the description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a water heater. The water heater can include at least one control device configured to control a setting of the water heater. The water heater can include a wireless circuit configured to communicate via a first network. The water heater can include an RJ-45 port. The water heater can include a communication bus. The communication bus can be coupled to the at least one control device, the wireless circuit, and the RJ-45 port.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method. The method can include receiving, at a control device of a water heater, a signal indicative of a setting of a water heater. The method can include adjusting, at the control device of the water heater, the setting of the water heater based on the received signal. The method can include receiving, at the control device of the water heater, a message from a first network via a wireless circuit. The method can include receiving, at the control device of the water heater, a message from a second network via an RJ-45 port.

Yet another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method. The method can include receiving, at a control device of a water heater, a signal indicative of a setting of a water heater. The method can include adjusting, at the control device of the water heater, the setting of the water heater based on the received signal. The method can include transmitting, at the control device of the water heater, a message to a first network via a wireless circuit. The method can include transmitting, at the control device of the water heater, a message to a second network via an RJ-45 port.

Variations and modifications can be made to these example aspects of the present disclosure.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodiments will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the related principles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill in the art are set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a water heater according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of an example communication system of the present subject matter;

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of an example environment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of an example method according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an example method according to example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 depicts a computing system for implementing one or more aspects according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of the term “about” in conjunction with a numerical value refers to within 25% of the stated amount.

Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a water heater. The water heater can include at least one control device, such as a control device. The at least one control device can control settings associated with the water heater, track usage, etc. The water heater can include a wireless circuit. The wireless circuit can be in communication with a first network.

The first network can be a cloud environment provided by an appliance company, such as a company that markets and/or sells the water heater. The water heater can communicate with a user device through the first network. This can allow a user to adjust a water heater and/or take a reading from a water heater and/or get a notification of an issue from a water heater without being in the same physical location as the water heater. The water heater can communicate with an appliance server through the first network. This can allow the water heater and/or the user device to receive recall information and/or software patches and initiate troubleshooting calls with the appliance server.

The water heater can include an RJ-45 port. The RJ-45 port can be used to connect the water heater to a communication module. The communication module can facilitate communication with a second network. The second network can be a cloud environment provided by a utility company. The water heater can communicate with a utility server through the second network. This can allow the utility company to send commands, such as ration or limit or end service and/or take a reading from the water heater.

The water heater can include a communication bus. The communication bus can connect the control device, the wireless circuit, and the RJ-45 port. Therefore, the control device can receive and interrupt signals received from both the wireless circuit and the RJ-45 port. The control device can also generate and send signals via both the wireless circuit and the RJ-45 port.

In this way, example aspects of the present disclosure have a technical effect of providing improved communication capabilities and communications access for a water heater. This can, for instance, allow a user to adjust a setting of a water heater without physically going to the location of the water heater. A party (such as a utility company) can communicate with a water heater without needing access to the location of the water heater.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a water heater 100 sitting in a drain pan 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Water heater 100 includes a casing 102. A tank (not shown) and a heating element (not shown) are mounted within casing 102 for heating water. The heating element may be a gas burner, an electric resistance element, a microwave element, an induction element, or any other suitable heating element or combination thereof

Water heater 100 also includes a cold water conduit 104 and a hot water conduit 106 that are both in fluid communication with the tank within casing 102. As an example, cold water from a water source, e.g., a municipal water supply or a well, can enter water heater 100 through cold water conduit 104. From cold water conduit 104, such cold water can enter the tank wherein it is heated with the heating element to generate heated water. Such heated water can exit water heater 100 at hot water conduit 106 and, e.g., be supplied to a bath, shower, sink, or any other suitable feature.

Water heater 100 extends longitudinally between a top portion 108 and a bottom portion 109 along a vertical direction V. Thus, water heater 100 is generally vertically oriented. Water heater 100 can be leveled, e.g., such that casing 102 is plumb in the vertical direction V, in order to facilitate proper operation of water heater 100.

Drain pan 200 is positioned at bottom portion 109 of water heater 100 such that water heater 100 sits on drain pan 200. Drain pan 200 sits beneath water heater 100 along the vertical direction V, e.g., to collect water that leaks from water heater 100 or water that condenses on an evaporator (not shown) of water heater 100. Drain pan 200 also includes features for assisting with leveling of water heater 100 as discussed in greater detail below. It should be understood that water heater 100 is provided by way of example only and that any other suitable water heater may be disposed on drain pan 200.

The water heater 100 can include a communication system (not shown), explained in more detail below. Aspects of the communication system can reside inside the casing 102. Aspects of the communication system can reside on the casing 102 and/or be incorporated into the casing 102.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication system of a water heater 200. The water heater 200 can include a control device 202. The control device 202 can control functions of the water heater 200. The water heater 200 can include a wireless circuit 204. The wireless circuit 204 can be configured to communicate via a Wi-Fi protocol, a Bluetooth protocol, a ZigBee protocol, the like, or a combination of the foregoing. The water heater 200 can include an RJ-45 port 206. The water heater 200 can include a communication bus 208. The communication bus 208 can connect the control device 202, the wireless circuit 204, and the RJ-45 port 206. Further, the control device 202 can distribute power to the wireless circuit 204 and/or the RJ-45 port 206.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an environment 300 in which the example water heater 200 of FIG. 2 can operate. The water heater 200 can be in communication with a first network 302 via the wireless circuit 204. The first network 302 can also be in communication with a user device 304. The user device 304 can be a smart phone, a laptop, a tablet, a desktop, a wearable computing device, and/or any other suitable computing device. The user device 304 can communicate with the water heater 200 via the first network 302 and vice versa. For example, settings of the water heater 200 can be changed using the user device 304. As another example, the water heater 200 can send a notification to the user device 304 if an issue is detected.

The water heater 200 and/or the user device 304 can be in communication with a first server 306 via the first network 302. The first server 306 can be a server associated with a company responsible for the water heater 200. For example, the first server 306 can be a server associated with a company that marketed the water heater 200. The water heater 200 and/or the user device 304 can communicate with the first server 306, and vice versa. For example, the water heater 200 can send a notification of a detected issue to the first server 306. As another example, the first server 306 can send an update for the control device 202 to the water heater 200. As another example, the user device 304 can send a question to the first server 306 and initiate a text and/or voice conversation. As another example, the first server 306 can send a recall notice to the user device 304.

The water heater 200 can be in communication with a communication module 308 via the RJ-45 port 206. The communication module 308 can facilitate communication between the water heater 200 and a second network 310. The water heater 200 can communicate with a second server 312 via the second network 310. The second server 312 can be a server associated with a utility company. The water heater 200 can communicate with the second server 312, and vice versa. For example, the water heater 200 can send a signal indicative of energy and/or power and/or water consumption to the second server 312. As another example, the second server 312 can send a command to ration energy and/or power and/or water to the water heater 200. As a further example, the water heater 200 can communicate energy information, performance information, usage information, or any other information to the second server 312. Additionally, the water heater 200 can act as a bridge and/or router for communications between the second server 312 and the user device 304 and/or the first server 306. In another embodiment, the RJ-45 port 206 can be in communication with another module (not shown), such as a module for leak detection or a device in communication with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. In an embodiment, the another module can be in communication with the user device 304 via the first network 302 or via another network.

FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of an example method (400) according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method (400) can be implemented by one or more computing devices, such as the control device 600 of FIG. 6. In addition, FIG. 4 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that various steps of any of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, modified, rearranged, omitted, or expanded in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

At (402), a signal indicative of a setting of a water heater can be received. For example, the control device 600 can receive a signal indicative of a setting of a water heater. At (404), the setting of the water heater can be adjusted based on the received signal. For example, the control device 600 can adjust the setting of the water heater based on the received signal.

At (406), a message can be received from a first network via a wireless circuit. For example, the control device 600 can receive a message from a first network via a wireless circuit. The first network can be a public network. The first network can be a private network. The water heater can communicate with an appliance server (e.g., a computing device operated by a company that markets and/or sells the water heater) via the first network. The water heater can communicate with a user device via the first network. The user device can be at least one of a mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a wearable computing device. The first network can include a cloud environment associated with an appliance company. For example, the appliance company can be a company that markets and/or sells the water heater.

At (408), a message can be received from a second network via an RJ-45 port. For example, the control device 600 can receive a message from a second network via an RJ-45 port. The RJ-45 port can be coupled to a communication module. The communication module can be configured to communicate via the second network. The water heater can communicate with a utility server via the second network. The second network can include a cloud environment associated with a utility company (e.g., a power company, an energy company, a water company, etc.).

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an example method (500) according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method (500) can be implemented by one or more computing devices, such as the control device 600 of FIG. 6. In addition, FIG. 5 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that various steps of any of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, modified, rearranged, omitted, or expanded in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

At (502), a signal indicative of a setting of a water heater can be received. For example, the control device 600 can receive a signal indicative of a setting of a water heater. At (504), the setting of the water heater can be adjusted based on the received signal. For example, the control device 600 can adjust the setting of the water heater based on the received signal.

At (506), a message can be transmitted to a first network via a wireless circuit. For example, the control device 600 can transmit a message to a first network via a wireless circuit. The first network can be a public network. The first network can be a private network. The water heater can communicate with an appliance server (e.g., a computing device operated by a company that markets and/or sells the water heater) via the first network. The water heater can communicate with a user device via the first network. The user device can be at least one of a mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a wearable computing device. The first network can include a cloud environment associated with an appliance company. For example, the appliance company can be a company that markets and/or sells the water heater.

At (508), a message can be transmitted to a second network via an RJ-45 port. For example, the control device 600 can transmit a message to a second network via an RJ-45 port. The RJ-45 port can be coupled to a communication module. The communication module can be configured to communicate via the second network. The water heater can communicate with a utility server via the second network. The second network can include a cloud environment associated with a utility company (e.g., a power company, an energy company, a water company, etc.).

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of an example control device 600 according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the water heater 200 can include one or more control device(s) 600. The one or more control device(s) 600 can include one or more processor(s) 602 and one or more memory device(s) 604. The one or more processor(s) 602 can include any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, integrated circuit, logic device, or other suitable processing device. The one or more memory device(s) 604 can include one or more computer-readable media, including, but not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable media, RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, or other memory devices.

The one or more memory device(s) 604 can store information accessible by the one or more processor(s) 602, including computer-readable instructions 606 that can be executed by the one or more processor(s) 602. The instructions 606 can be any set of instructions that when executed by the one or more processor(s) 602, cause the one or more processor(s) 602 to perform operations. The instructions 606 can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. In some embodiments, the instructions 606 can be executed by the one or more processor(s) 602 to cause the one or more processor(s) 602 to perform operations, such as the operations to communicate with a water heater, as described with reference to FIG. 4, and/or FIG. 5.

The memory device(s) 604 can further store data 608 that can be accessed by the processors 602. For example, the data 608 can include water heater data, as described herein. The data 608 can include one or more table(s), function(s), algorithm(s), model(s), equation(s), etc. related to a water heater according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

The one or more control device(s) 600 can also include a communication interface 610 used to communicate, for example, with the other components of the system and/or other computing devices. The communication interface 610 can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s), including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.

The technology discussed herein makes reference to computer-based systems and actions taken by and information sent to and from computer-based systems. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a great variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functionality between and among components. For instance, processes discussed herein can be implemented using a single computing device or multiple computing devices working in combination. Databases, memory, instructions, and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components can operate sequentially or in parallel.

Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A water heater comprising: at least one control device configured to control a setting of the water heater; a wireless circuit configured to communicate via a first network; an RJ-45 port; and a communication bus, wherein the communication bus is coupled to the at least one control device, the wireless circuit, and the RJ-45 port.
 2. The water heater of claim 1, wherein the RJ-45 port is coupled to a communication module.
 3. The water heater of claim 2, wherein the communication module is configured to communicate via a second network.
 4. The water heater of claim 3, wherein the water heater communicates with a utility server via the second network.
 5. The water heater of claim 3, wherein the second network comprises a cloud environment associated with a utility company.
 6. The water heater of claim 1, wherein the water heater communicates with an appliance server via the first network.
 7. The water heater of claim 1, wherein the water heater communicates with a user device via the first network.
 8. The water heater of claim 7, wherein the user device is at least one of a mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a wearable computing device.
 9. The water heater of claim 1, wherein the first network comprises a cloud environment associated with an appliance company.
 10. A method comprising: receiving, at a control device of a water heater, a signal indicative of a setting of a water heater; adjusting, at the control device of the water heater, the setting of the water heater based on the received signal; receiving, at the control device of the water heater, a message from a first network via a wireless circuit; and receiving, at the control device of the water heater, a message from a second network via an RJ-45 port.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the RJ-45 port is coupled to a communication module.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the communication module is configured to communicate via the second network.
 13. The water heater of claim 12, wherein the water heater communicates with a utility server via the second network.
 14. The water heater of claim 12, wherein the second network comprises a cloud environment associated with a utility company.
 15. The water heater of claim 10, wherein the water heater communicates with an appliance server via the first network.
 16. The water heater of claim 10, wherein the water heater communicates with a user device via the first network.
 17. The water heater of claim 16, wherein the user device is at least one of a mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a wearable computing device.
 18. The water heater of claim 10, wherein the first network comprises a cloud environment associated with an appliance company.
 19. A method comprising: receiving, at a control device of a water heater, a signal indicative of a setting of a water heater; adjusting, at the control device of the water heater, the setting of the water heater based on the received signal; transmitting, at the control device of the water heater, a message to a first network via a wireless circuit; and transmitting, at the control device of the water heater, a message to a second network via an RJ-45 port.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the RJ-45 port is coupled to a communication module. 